 Spiritual
Combat Revisited,
by Jonathan Robinson, a splendid explanation and revisiting of the
classic book on spiritual warfare by Lorenzo Scupoli, making it easier to
understand and apply in contemporary terms. Prayer as a weapon. Working for
holiness. The importance of humility. Spiritual exercises. This book is for
the serious student of spiritual warfare as well as those who simply run up
against forces of darkness -- as really we all do! [see original classic
below right]
CLICK HERE
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BIZARRE MANIFESTATIONS AND TRAGIC EVENTS OCCUR WHEN WE VEER IN SEARCH OF
MYSTICISM TO ANY EXTREME
A few weeks ago
we noted
that there is no longer much difference between "naysayers"
and "skeptics" -- pointing out that they have become one and the same
(skepticism and mockery) in this
age of materialism that so disdains the supernatural.
But there are other extremes, times when
believers begin to believe everything, veering into a zone that can be equally
negative (and sometimes dangerous).
There is the case, for instance, of a doctor
who was famous for his near-death research and
had started out sober enough -- writing with thoroughness and objectivity.
Later, however, he drifted into spiritism, past-life regression,
reincarnation, and then what he
calls "psychomanteums" -- dark rooms with candles and crystal-like objects or
mirrors into which subjects peer until "deceased" loved ones were said to materialize
in the reflection or (supposedly) walk right out of the quicksilver, conversing as if they are right there.
A legitimate endeavor -- by a man of science -- veered into occultism or
eccentricity. His research lacked Jesus.
Pure danger. Prayer need. A man of medicine was now conducting seances.
Finances disappeared. So did two marriages. The same can happen with any form
of mysticism.
It is better to believe than not to believe,
but it is best to realize that not everything is worthy of belief. Even the
most well-intentioned can be deceived.
We are at a time of extremes and must be cautious that
enthusiasm doesn't turn into fanaticism and then obsession. From time to time,
we all can be gullible and must always pray to stay from
falsity and superstition.
There are those who feel inspired or receive a word of
knowledge that turns true or gives them peace but who then decide that they
will receive such messages at will and begin to spew forth all kinds of
missives from Jesus, or Mary, or angels.
A legitimate "word" becomes something less than legitimate.
Look for a red flag if messages come in a torrent (with
fantastic specificity).
When we "want" too many messages, Satan -- or familiar spirits --
are happy to accommodate.
God mainly speaks to us subtly, through the
natural. He directs through the quiet of prayer and intuition.
The aforementioned doctor ended up traveling to Greece to visit ancient
"oracle caves" where thousands of years ago people practiced what he
now does:
contact with the "dead" in secluded settings (the caves). He claimed he and his wife encountered
Socrates (who gave them a tour
of the caves). This was a man, a medical doctor, who had conducted truly monumental work
but at one point went so far that his father (also a doctor) had him committed to a mental ward.
Another prominent researcher broke up with her husband and went to live
with a spirit.
Yet a third recently made news when he was arrested for "waterboarding" his
11-year-old daughter, with some wondering if this man, who had written about children
and
near-death episodes, was punishing her or had gone to such an extreme with his
research that he was experimenting. (He too had been seeing a psychologist.)
Life is all about finding a balance. It is often about finding an
in-between.
That doesn't mean compromise. Nor does it mean being lukewarm. It is not a gray area.
It means prudence.
And there is no book that can teach it -- none save for the Bible, through the
Holy Spirit, Who illuminates the truth when we can get our pride (and
imbalance) out of the way.
[resources:
spiritual warfare books and Michael Brown retreats on spiritual protection
and healing: September 29:
Chicago, October 13:
Northern New Jersey-New York; and
November 3, Minneapolis]
[resources:
The Spiritual Combat
Revisited]
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